from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Nepenthe \Ne*pen"the\, n. [Fr. Gr. ? removing all sorrow; hence,
an epithet of an Egyptian drug which lulled sorrow for the
day; ? not + ? sorrow, grief.]
A drug used by the ancients to give relief from pain and
sorrow; -- by some supposed to have been opium or hasheesh.
Hence, anything soothing and comforting.
[1913 Webster]
Lulled with the sweet nepenthe of a court. --Pope.
[1913 Webster]
Quaff, O quaff this kind nepenthe. --Poe.
[1913 Webster]